Bringing Little Green Thumbs to Your Classroom

Before You Apply

Please review the following information about the program. For further questions, please contact us.

Application Deadline

Applications are accepted any time; however, to be considered for the current school term, applications must be received before mid-September.Training for new program participants will take place in October/November.

Resources and Support for Teachers

We provide an indoor light kit, grow boxes, garden supplies, classroom resources and teacher training to help you get started. The Little Green Thumbs Coordinator provides ongoing phone and email consultation and we also offer “Growing Facilitators”, trained volunteers from the public or school community, as available.

Financial Contributions and Responsibilities

We are able to offer full and partial subsidies to a limited number of schools. Please indicate in your application if you require a subsidy and if your school is able to make a contribution or not.

If accepted, participating schools are asked to:

Return a Memorandum of Understanding signed by the teacher and school principal

Participate in teacher training

Participate in annual Program Evaluation

Share occasional stories and photos from the garden

Maintain contact with the Coordinator to receive updated information and to help with transition in case of staffing changes

It is our goal that participating teachers continue to garden year after year and we will do our best to provide ongoing support and replacement supplies, such as potting mix, fertilizer and seeds. If the indoor garden is no longer used as part of Little Green Thumbs, the school is required to return the garden equipment.

Space Requirement

Size: The garden requires floor space of approx. 1.5 m by 1.5 m. Windows are helpful but not required.Electrical: The grow light must be plugged into a lightly loaded electrical circuit and must not be on a circuit that is already used for computers, Smart Board and microwave ovens. An extension chord can be used if permitted in your school. Please note: The use of an indoor grow lamp will result in a slight increase in your electricity bill.Water: No special plumbing is required for the garden. For easy watering, a close source of water is helpful.